Chainlink’s LINK token has surged to its highest level in seven months, driven by a combination of whale accumulation and a series of new institutional partnerships. The price of LINK soared above $26 on August 18th after a month-long rally of approximately 30%, before settling at $24.71 at the time of writing. Notably, LINK was the only cryptocurrency among the top 15 by market capitalization to show a green candle in the last 24 hours.
One of the main factors behind the rally in LINK’s price is the increased activity in the derivatives market. Data from CoinGlass indicates that open interest in LINK futures has reached an all-time high of $1.5 billion, marking a nearly 60% increase since the beginning of 2025. Rising open interest is typically seen as a positive sign, reflecting traders’ confidence in the asset’s future trajectory.
On-chain activity on the blockchain network further supports the bullish sentiment surrounding LINK. Santiment data reveals that on August 17th, nearly 9,813 addresses processed LINK transfers, with over 9,600 new wallets created the following day. These figures represent the highest levels of engagement this year, indicating a growing user base alongside the price momentum.
Additionally, whale activity on the network has reinforced the positive outlook for LINK. According to blockchain analysis platform Lookonchain, a whale wallet withdrew approximately 1.29 million LINK, valued at $31 million, from Binance over four days. Such large moves suggest a long-term holding strategy rather than immediate selling, bolstering investor confidence in LINK.
In terms of institutional adoption, Chainlink continues to expand its presence in traditional finance through various high-profile partnerships. More than 30 firms are currently testing or piloting Chainlink’s solutions on their platforms, including industry giants like Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Citi, and JPMorgan. Central banks and major regional lenders in Brazil, Europe, and Asia are also exploring Chainlink-powered technology, highlighting the platform’s role as a key player in global markets.
As of August 20, 2025, Chainlink is ranked #11 by market capitalization, with a price increase of 8.03% over the past 24 hours. The token has a market capitalization of $17.57 billion and a trading volume of $2.55 billion. The total crypto market is valued at $3.85 trillion with a 24-hour volume of $188.59 billion, and Bitcoin dominance stands at 58.84%.
In conclusion, Chainlink’s recent price surge and institutional partnerships demonstrate its growing significance in the crypto and traditional finance sectors. With strong on-chain activity, whale accumulation, and institutional adoption, LINK appears to be well-positioned for further growth in the future.